By Jon Crowley
The 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 continues to lead the way in the premium sport-utility UTV segment, delivering a powerful blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Built around a robust 999cc parallel twin engine, the RMAX2 is engineered for both aggressive trail riding and hard-working utility. Yamaha’s industry-leading Ultramatic® transmission with all-wheel engine braking adds to its legendary reliability, while the On-Command® 4WD system offers selectable drive modes including 2WD, 4WD, and full diff-lock, giving drivers ultimate control in changing terrain.
One of the RMAX2’s standout features is its adjustable D-Mode system, which tailors throttle response across three settings—Sport, Trail, and Crawl—making it equally capable whether you’re racing across open desert or crawling through rocky switchbacks. Suspension performance is another highlight, with long-travel FOX shocks across all trims. The Sport model features high and low speed adjustable FOX 2.0 Piggyback shocks, the XT-R adds tool-less QS3 FOX shocks, and the Limited goes a step further with FOX iQS electronic suspension controlled from the cockpit.
Interior comfort is just as refined, with all models featuring premium cut-and-sew seats, automotive-style controls, and abundant storage. Higher trims offer upscale touches like an MTX audio system, a WARN VRX 4,500-lb winch, and a full-color TFT display on the Limited model. With 30” tires, 13.8 inches of ground clearance, and a 2,000-lb towing capacity, the RMAX2 1000 is built to handle work, play, and everything in between.
Whether you choose the Sport, XT-R, or Limited, the 2025 Wolverine RMAX2 1000 is a do-it-all UTV designed for serious adventurers who demand capability without compromise.
My favorite shock package was in the Sport model, check out the video below for a full review of the three trim levels.
New Features and Updates for 2025
- Newly enhanced On-Command 4WD with faster front-differential engagement and disengagement, and an
all-new Turf Mode featuring an unlocking rear differential for expanded home utility use. - Higher output EPS with selectable High, Standard, and Low modes, plus an added 4WD Diff-Lock map for
maximum driver comfort and confidence in challenging terrain. - All-new Adventure Pro featuring a 7-inch screen offering a variety of vehicle readouts, along with Bluetooth
capability for connected devices, and new MTX audio system. - All-new rearview camera automatically displayed on the Adventure Pro when shifted in reverse or manually
selected by the user. - All-new 4.3-inch color thin-film-transistor (TFT) meter equipped on Limited models with a variety of vehicle
readouts for added customization. - Advanced spring rate and damping suspension settings for improved ride quality in a variety of terrain and
speeds. - All-new brake system with new calipers, pad material, and more to provide ideal braking power and feel with
reduced brake noise. - Larger, relocated dashboard wet storage area for enhanced quality feel and function.
2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000: Model Comparison
| Feature | RMAX 2 Sport | RMAX 2 XT-R | RMAX 2 Limited |
| MSRP | $23,699 | $24,999 | $25,499 |
| Engine | 999cc DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve parallel twin | 999cc DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve parallel twin | 999cc DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valve parallel twin |
| Suspension | FOX® 2.0 dual-rate shocks with full high-/low-speed compression adjustability | FOX® 2.0 QS3 shocks with tool-less 3-position adjustability | FOX® iQS shocks with electronic in-cab adjustability |
| Tires | 30” GBC® Terra Master (asymmetrical, reversible tread) | 30” Maxxis® Carnivore | 30” Maxxis® Carnivore |
| Wheels | 14” aluminum beadlock (Yamaha Blue) | 14” aluminum beadlock (black) | 14” aluminum beadlock (black) |
| Winch | Not included | WARN® VRX 4,500 lb winch | WARN® VRX 4,500 lb winch |
| Audio System | Not included | MTX® premium audio system | MTX® premium audio system |
| D-Mode (Drive Modes) | Sport, Trail, Crawl | Sport, Trail, Crawl | Sport, Trail, Crawl |
| EPS (Steering) | Selectable 3-mode Electric Power Steering (EPS) | Selectable 3-mode EPS | Selectable 3-mode EPS |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 600 lbs | 600 lbs | 600 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 13.8 inches | 13.8 inches | 13.8 inches |
| Front Suspension Travel | 14.2 inches | 14.2 inches | 14.2 inches |
| Rear Suspension Travel | 16.9 inches | 16.9 inches | 16.9 inches |
| Interior Features | Premium cut-and-sew seats, blue LED interior lighting | Premium cut-and-sew seats, blue LED interior lighting | Premium cut-and-sew seats, blue LED interior lighting, full-color TFT display |
| Color Options | Team Yamaha Blue | Tactical Black with XT-R graphics | Dusty Blue |
2025 WOLVERINE RMAX2 1000 Sport
- Shocks: FOX 2.0 Piggyback QS3 with high and low speed compression adjusters
- Tires: 30” GBC Terra Master SQ
- Wheels: 14” aluminum beadlock (Yamaha Blue)
- Features: No winch or audio system, most performance-focused
- Ideal For: Sporty trail riders
2025 WOLVERINE RMAX2 1000 XT-R
- Shocks: FOX 2.0 QS3 (tool-less adjustment)
- Tires: 30” Maxxis Carnivore
- Wheels: 14” black beadlock
- Winch: WARN VRX 4,500-lb
- Audio: MTX sound system
- Extras: XT-R graphics, tactical accents
- Ideal For: Technical trails, rock crawling, multi-terrain capability
2025 WOLVERINE RMAX2 1000 Limited
- Shocks: FOX iQS with in-cab electronic adjustability
- Tires: 30” Maxxis Carnivore
- Wheels: 14” black non-beadlock
- Winch: WARN VRX 4,500-lb
- Audio: MTX sound system
- Interior: Full-color TFT display, upgraded trim
- Ideal For: Maximum comfort and luxury with tech convenience
The 2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 series offers versatile options to cater to various off-road preferences:
- Sport: For those seeking a dynamic and responsive ride with sport-tuned features and less frills.
- XT-R: For adventurers wanting enhanced off-road capabilities and rugged equipment.
- Limited: For riders desiring premium comfort, advanced technology, and convenience features.
Each model is built upon Yamaha’s commitment to durability and performance, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable off-road experience.
For more detailed specifications and to explore these models further, visit Yamaha’s official website:
About Yamaha
Yamaha is the leader in providing you an aspirational experience to explore new terrain, new vehicles, and exciting new destinations. Yamaha designs, engineers, manufactures and tests its ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles in the Real World, fueling your off-road passion with superior Capability, Comfort, and Confidence! More details: Yamaha Recreation.
